Betty S. Paulsen, a lifelong resident of Helena, a devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother, passed away peacefully Tuesday August 17, 2010 from this life in her Christian faith. Lung cancer took over her body but never touched her soul or spirit. All who have known Betty or were with her were blessed by Betty’s strength. She looked forward to her unending walk with Christ. She was dearly cared for by Dr. Wiener and his staff at St. Pete’s Hospital Oncology Department, Hospice staff, and her family and friends. She so loved being with and ministering to them, telling all how blessed she was.<\/p>\n
In Betty’s life devotion to family came first. She was notably active throughout her life in church, music, sports, and political circles. Born in Helena on April 29, 1925, Betty was the oldest of three children of the late Morris and Irma Sanford. Following her graduation from Helena High in 1944, she attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon, for two years. On June 1, 1947, she married Harold L Paulsen, also a native of Helena and lifelong resident who shared many of her interests. Together, they raised a family of four children and were active in the community throughout their lives.<\/p>\n
Betty Paulsen\u2019s passion for the work of the Lord, music and sports began early in her life. When she was 14 years old, she began singing with a choir directed by her father. From then on, she was a key member of and frequent soloist with a number of Helena church choirs, many of which she also directed. She often sang duets with her husband, Harold, whose fine tenor voice was heard for many years and on countless occasions throughout his life.<\/p>\n
Betty\u2019s interest in sports began early in life, as well. As a seventh grader she ran the city-wide 100 yard dash faster than either boys or girls. She was the first of two girls in the graduating class of 1944 to letter in sports all four years. Just out of high school, she won the state mixed doubles tennis championship. As a young mother, she coached pee wee league baseball in which her three sons participated. Later she became an avid golfer and took part in tournament play for over 30 years.<\/p>\n
In 1967, Betty began a 13-year career with First Bank of Helena, retiring in 1980. Throughout those years and beyond, she continued to serve her church and community in addition to devoting undiminished love and concern for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her husband, Harold, often said that Betty was his \u201cbest friend, greatest supporter, and advisor, as well as, helpful critic.\u201d All will miss her prayers and her unfailing love and devotion.<\/p>\n
Surviving Betty are her, husband of 63 years Harold, daughter Peggy husband Bill, their children, Bill, Becky, Betsy, Bobby, Bucky. Son Dick wife Carol, their children Tracey, Mike, Matt. Son Lee wife Kristi their children Aaron and Zac. Son Jim wife Jan, their children Jon, Sam, Angie. Sister Barbara Creel, Brother Tom and numerous nieces and nephews, 17 great grandchildren, and countless friends.<\/p>\n
Donations may be given to the 1st Presbyterian Church, or the Masonic Home. Join her family in celebrating her life at the First Presbyterian Church, Tuesday August 24 at 7:00pm, with song, stories and testimony. Funeral services will be Wednesday August 25 at 2:30pm also at the First Presbyterian Church. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home.<\/p>\n","photo":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/242331_profile_pic.jpg","youtube_video_url":"","family_email":"","family_first_name":"","family_last_name":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/case\/415","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/case"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/case"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/helenafuneralhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=415"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}